Bacterial DNA gyrase

The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin after inhalation of single 52.5 and 48.75 mg doses in COPD patients. In this study the 48.75 mg dose will be administered for the first time using a new high dose strength (i.e. one capsule containing 75 mg powder = 48.75 mg ciprofloxacin) formulation. Safety investigations will focus on local tolerability in the lung and evaluate whether the patient can inhale the higher amount of powder compared to the lower dose strength. Pharmacokinetics is to see how the body absorbs, distributes, breaks down and gets rid of the study drug. Results from this study will be used to decide whether the new dose strength is suitable for larger clinical trials planned for the COPD patients population.

Objectives of the study are to investigate the safety, tolerability and levels of ciprofloxacin in the lung after single and multiple inhalative administration to patients with moderate to severe COPD (stage II-III according to GOLD Criteria)